Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services secures 2023 World Chambers Congress bid

Organised by the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC)  and its World Chambers Federation (WCF), the World Chambers Congress is a unique thought leadership forum for chamber leaders and business professionals to collaborate on new projects, exchange ideas on best-practices, expand global networks and discuss the latest issues facing the private sector worldwide.

Every two years, this global event rotates between Africa and the Middle East, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe to ensure wide and diverse regional participation from chamber and business communities around the world. The 13th World Chambers Congress will mark the fourth time that the event has been held in Europe, having previously taken place in Marseille in 1999, Istanbul in 2007 and Torino in 2015. Commenting on the success of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:

“The World Chambers Congress is an unparalleled opportunity for chambers of commerce and their members to collaborate on projects, exchange innovative strategies, and pioneer solutions for the private sector.

As an epicenter for diplomacy and trade, I’m confident that Geneva will uphold this tradition and legacy in 2023.”

Geneva, Switzerland’s second-most populous city and a capital for global diplomacy, will host Congress delegates in June 2023. The proposed theme is “Achieving shared prosperity through multilateralism”, as the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services firmly believes in the power of international trade as a means to achieve peaceful cooperation among nations. Speaking on the importance of the chamber contributions, ICC’s WCF Chair Hamad Buamim said:

“In the face of rising protectionism and populism around the world, the 13th World Chambers Congress will strengthen transnational ties among chambers and advance our shared purpose of securing peace and prosperity for all. Now, more than ever before, chambers of commerce need to work together to create innovative solutions that will simplify and transform trade for all.

The 13th World Chambers Congress in Geneva will strengthen transnational ties between chambers and advance our shared purpose of securing peace and prosperity for all.”

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services was in the running to co-organise the Congress alongside the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and Stavanger Chamber of Commerce. Responding to the news of winning the bid, Vincent Subilia, Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services said:

“The Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services is truly honoured to have been awarded the co-organiser title for the 13th World Chambers Congress. We wish to thank ICC and its WCF for their invaluable trust.

As the capital of global governance, Geneva offers a timely and appropriate venue for multi-stakeholder dialogue under the theme, ‘achieving shared prosperity through multilateralism’. We will also leverage the presence of approximately 100 international institutions, 750 non-governmental organisations and 180 diplomatic missions, while developing a strong marketplace with leading companies active in a wide range of sectors at a global level. Geneva further features a vibrant ecosystem for the global chamber community.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services looks forward to welcoming ICC, WCF, chamber of commerce, business leaders and political decision-makers to Geneva in 2023 for the Congress.” 

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services is the third oldest chamber in Switzerland and has been a member of ICC’s global network since 1947. Mr Subilia serves as an elected member of the WCF General Council and represents the Swiss chambers.

The next edition of the World Chamber Congress is set to take place from 23-25 November 2021 in Dubai and is co-organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.